You are cordially invited to our Fashion House Of Hopes a Red Heels and Red Bow Tie Affair.

Casa Esperanza para Mujeres y Niños, INC, is a Non-Profit Organization empowering women to become change agents in their communities by providing them with the tools needed to render support, outreach, spiritual development and preventive services to other women infected or at risk of contracting HIV/AIDS.

The Founder & CEO, Gina Ramos, and Chief Operating Officer, Takiysha McLeod are registered nurses with 25 years of combined experience. Through their professional journeys they have learned that the key to personal strength, development and most off all self love is “Empowerment.” As an organization they have developed an unique framework that incorporates empowerment through their community outreach/prevention initiatives.

Fashion House Of Hopes a Red Heels and Red Bow Tie Affair will be held June 4th, 2011 at #1 Front St. restaurant & lounge. Located at 1 Front Street under the Brooklyn Bridge. This event will serve a dual purpose, to raise funds and celebrate Casa’s mission, clients and to honor those selected professionals with in the community that have provided assistance for the women and children that benefit from our organization.

When: June 4th 2011

Where: #1 Front St. restaurant & lounge. Located at 1 Front Street under the Brooklyn Bridge.

Newark, NJ – May 17, 2011 – Mayor Cory A. Booker, Members of the Municipal Council, Acting Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio and other dignitaries saluted the valor of Newark Police Officers who have distinguished themselves in the line of duty by presenting awards for bravery and merit during a Municipal Council Chamber ceremony today. The ceremony is part of the City of Newark’s observance of National Police Week, which was originally created by federal legislation and signed into law by President John F. Kennedy in 1961, as National Peace Officer Day. Since then, the week of May 15 is observed each year to honor all law enforcement officers.

“Newark Police Officers are in their job for a profound purpose, to protect and serve our residents. They are the highest exemplars of courage, strength, duty, and purpose. They are subject to scorn until people call 911 to reach a police officer. They seek no recognition. ((The officers that we are recognizing today are deserving recipients of our respect, honor, and gratitude,” said Mayor Booker)).

During the ceremony, Mayor Booker and Acting Director DeMaio presented medals for valor and efficiency to police officers, civilian employees, and community members that supported the police. Officers were honored for standing off would-be armed carjackers, weapons seizures, and capturing armed felons. Also commended were the Emergency Service Unit and the 2nd Bureau Special Enforcement Unit. Selected for the Civilian Employee Recognition Award was Information Processing Manager Peter Lutz. Bishop Cleveland Blash received the Citizen Community Service Award. A total of 26 awards were presented at the ceremony.

“The men and women of this agency perform their duties relentlessly day in and day out, oftentimes going above and beyond the call of duty to protect Newark’s citizens. It’s a great day when we can recognize officers for a job well done and thank them for their undying willingness to keep this city safe from harm’s way,” said Police Director Samuel A. DeMaio. “I salute these officers for a job well done and look forward to recognizing others in the future. We will continue the charge to keep our city safe while improving the quality of life here for residents and visitors alike,” he added.

“I want to congratulate all of our police officers who are being honored today and to express our appreciation for the entire Newark Police Department,” said Municipal Council Vice President Anibal Ramos, Jr., speaking for his colleagues on the Council. “When it comes to the Newark Police Department, we stand in solidarity in giving them our support and gratitude.” He was joined in attendance by Council President Donald M. Payne, Jr., Council Members-at-Large Mildred Crump and Carlos Gonzalez, and Central Ward Council Member Darrin Sharif.

At the awards ceremony, Lt. Donald Robertella, the master of ceremonies, read out the citations for each officer honored, who then received his or her medal and a framed certificate from Director DeMaio.

Sgt. Leslie Jones from the Police Clergy Alliance offered the invocation and benediction. Also in attendance were Acting Essex County Prosecutor Carolyn Murray, Essex County Sheriff Armando Fontoura, First Assistant Prosecutor Robert Laurino, and Essex County Chief of Detectives Anthony Ambrose.

This year’s 2011 “Class A” award which is the Police Department’s highest honor went to eight police officers who were involved in five separate incidents involving armed suspects. A complete list of awardees and their citations is attached.

Lt. Dennis Sanders, who received the Medal of Honor for shooting an armed suspect who attempted to carjack his personal vehicle, discussed the incident. “It was a life-altering experience for anyone to face that situation,” said the 21-year-veteran. “But sometimes the good guys prevail. I never had to face that kind of situation before, but my training prepared me for it.

“I loved the ceremony,” he added. “It shows that the community and our dignitaries care about the citizens and the police.”

“When I heard Lt. Robertella read the details of what happened that day, it brought memories back of what happened,” said Officer Latasha Merritt, who received the Medal of Honor. “And then it was a surreal feeling when I heard my name being called to receive the award. I feel honored every day to serve the community as a Newark Police Officer. I hope to be a role model for other young women who choose a career in law enforcement.” She joined the force at age 26. She was honored for shooting an armed suspect who menaced her and her partner with a loaded weapon.

After the Awards Ceremony, Mayor Booker, Acting Director DeMaio and the police officers held a memorial to honor the 50 Newark Police Officers (including one Housing Officer and one Special Police officer) who died in the line of duty during the department’s history, in the City Hall Rotunda.

The names of each of the fallen officers was read in the order they were lost, starting with Officer Maxwell Badgley, killed in 1854. Officer Badgley was not only the first Newark police officer to give his life, but the first in the entire state of New Jersey. The last name read was Sgt. Tommaso Popolizio, who was killed during the pursuit of a fleeing suspect in March 2007. A lone bagpiper played “Amazing Grace” at the conclusion of the ceremony.

Retired Newark Police Sergeant Daniel Santos, who is the curator of the Fraternal Order of Police Lodge No. 12’s Police Museum, read the names and said, “All across the country last week, police agencies honored their fallen officers, those individuals that have made the ultimate sacrifice. This practice has been performed since 1962. So, it’s only fitting to gather here once again and honor members of our family, fallen officers of the Newark Police Department. In these trying times, both socially as well as economically, officers are being asked to do more – even if it means – with less. They continue to do just that, without hesitation because they swore an oath to protect and serve. Their valor then, as well as the valor of our officers today, gives us all hope for the future.”

Under the Booker Administration, the City of Newark’s Police Department has formed several new partnerships and launched numerous new initiatives and policing strategies. Since it was formed in 2006, the Newark Police Foundation has raised thousands of dollars in philanthropic donations to support the purchase and deployment of new crime-fighting technology, including the deployment of more than one hundred wireless video surveillance cameras, a sonic gunshot detection system and a new state-of-the-art emergency services vehicle.

In 2006, the Newark Police Department also launched the operation of the City’s “Crime Stopper” and “Gun Stopper” anonymous tip lines. Since the program began police have received more than 4,100 calls and paid out more than $84,000 in reward money resulting in more than 260 arrests, the recovery of 106 guns, and the confiscation of more than $250,000 worth of illegal narcotics. The impact of these initiatives has also been seen in Newark experiencing an overall 21 percent crime rate reduction since 2006, with a 46 percent drop in shootings. In 2008, Newark gained national recognition for leading the nation in violent crime reduction and in March 2010, the City saw its first homicide-free calendar month since 1966. The Police Department also received a $500,000 grant from the state Attorney General’s Office in April 2011, to purchase crime-fighting technology. For more information about the Newark Police Foundation please visit their website at www.newarkpolicefoundation.org.

The Newark Police Department is the largest municipal police department in the State of New Jersey with more than 1,100 police officers in the force. This September, the Police Department is scheduled to open its new 5th Precinct in the South Ward, a state-of-the-art 75,000-square-foot facility that will include the City’s Office of Emergency Management.

Indianapolis lawyer Mark S. Zuckerberg made news this week after his Facebook profile page was removed by the social network, which cited false identity issues.

Zuckerberg, who shares his first and last name with the Facebook’s co-founder and CEO, got his page back on Thursday, with apologies from the company, Indiana’s WISH-TV reported.

Just to set up his account in the first place, the lawyer had to submit copies of his driver’s license, birth certificate and Indianapolis Bar Association license, Zuckerberg said.

The social network has had similar problems with other famous names in the past.

The Today Show reported that several Kate Middletons from Boston, Australia and Britain have all been kicked off the social network in the past.

And Justin Bieber of Jacksonville, Fla. briefly found himself without a Facebook profile in 2010, after the teen pop sensation of the same name shot up the charts, First Coast News reported. Bieber said he also got daily fan letters and phone calls, despite having changed his listing in the phone book.

Zuckerberg — the lawyer — said he also seems some unwanted attention because of his name. He told WISH that he has to deal with thousands of friend requests, as well as the occasional stranger asking for a loan.

Do you share a name with a celebrity? Has it affected your digital identity?

(Post Co. Chairman and Chief Executive Donald E. Graham sits on Facebook’s board of directors, and the newspaper and many Post staffers use Facebook for marketing purposes.)

Original post: http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/faster-forward/post/facebook_restores_other_mark_zuckerbergs_profile_page/2011/05/12/AFNkVO2G_blog.html?wprss=faster-forward

New York, April 29 2010, by João Vianna. World View Productions, Inc. is committed to bring to life cultural events that enrich, educate and continue to evolve how we perceive the world. Following this mission, we are bringing to New York the US premiere of Cayendo Con Victoriano, a comedy written by Mexican playwright Luis Enrique G. Ortiz Monasterio, and directed by Luis Martin.

Based on Edith OʼShaughnessyʼs historical book, A Diplomatʼs Wife in Mexico, the play takes us back to the Mexican Revolution, describing in an intimate way the complex relationship that has always existed between the United States and Mexico. Nelson OʼShaughnessy, US Business Affairs Representative in Mexico during the presidency and dictatorship of Victoriano Huerta was sent by President Wilson to replaced US ambassador Lane Wilson, who plotted along with Huerta to overthrow president elect Francisco I. Madero. President Madero and Vice-president Pino-Suarez were forced to sign their resignation at the US Embassy, clearing Huertaʼs path to become president. Days later, Huerta ordered their assassination, marking the end of what is known as the tragic ten days, the bloodiest days of the Mexican Revolution.

Besides the OʼShaughnessyʼs, Ortiz-Monasterio makes reference to the relationship that existed between Huerta and Salvador Diaz-Miron, prominent poet and director of El Imparcial, an influential newspaper of the time. Diaz-Miron used his position to protect Huerta. It is said that he became a congressman to push and protect Huertaʼs agenda.

Cayendo con Victoriano focuses on events that took place between October 1913 to April 1914, when Mrs. OʼShaughnessy lived in Mexico with her husband. The playwright links the power struggle between Huerta and OʼShaughnessy on one side, highlighting the differences in diplomacy between the two countries, and between Huerta and Diaz-Miron, on the other side, exposing the Mexican idiosyncrasy when dealing behind closed doors.

Director Luis Martin, with more than 50 years of experience, has received the Mexicoʼs Instituto de Bellas Artesʼ Golden Medal for his contribution to the arts. Playwright Luis Enrique G. Ortiz Monasterio is considered by many a representative of the new voice in Mexican theatre. ((His plays have been translated to 7 languages and has received many awards for his work)).

Cayendo con Victorianoʼs perfrmances will be taking place at the Off-Broadway Theatre of the Roy Arias Theatre Center at the Times Square Arts Center, 300 West 43rd St, 5th Fl, New York, NY 10036. The US premiere will be on Thursday, April 28, 2011, at 7:00 PM and will be running during the weekends of May, 2011. Special performances on Opening Night and Thursday “5 de Mayo” with reception after the show for all attendees. Tickets available online at www.smarttix.com, or by phone at 212-868-4444.

Mission Statement

World View Productions, Inc. is an organization dedicated to create, develop and present theatrical, performing and visual arts productions that will enrich, educate and continue to evolve how we view the world and the universal themes that connect us all. Through professionalism, creativity, and attention to detail, World View Productions, Inc. will seek and promote the intimate collaboration of artists around the world, creating a platform where we can express freely who we are as we share our love and passion for the performing and visual arts. Vision Statement World View Productions, Inc. envisions a global community where all members come together to celebrate their richness and diversity through cultural, visual and performing arts events.

About Us

World View Productions, Inc., is a young, innovative company that understands and values diversity in a multicultural society. We represent a cultural bridge between the United States and the world. Alfredo Huereca, CEO and founder of World View Productions, Inc. embodies this bridge. Born and raised in our neighboring country of Mexico, Alfredo’s life has always revolved and evolved around the arts. Since his early years, Alfredo used to spend long days drawing in the quiet of his home while his friends used to play ball outside on the street. At the same time, he participated in every single art and folk spring festival at his school. During his middle and high school years, Alfredo started incurring into theater and produced his high school’s first ever theatrical production.While studying a bachelor’s of science as a Mechanical and Industrial Engineer at the Instituto Tecnológico y de Estudios Superiores de Monterrey, in Monterrey, Mexico, Alfredo continued his involvement with the arts, performing in numerous theatrical productions. One of hisperformances earned him a national award for his characterization in the lead role of Lope de Vega’s The Knight of Olmedo.

It is during this time that an event changed his life forever; an event that has guided his footsteps and influenced his decisions up until this day. At the age of twenty four, Alfredo was diagnosed with testicular cancer. During the months that followed with chemotherapy treatments, in and out of the hospital, he realized that if he would survive, if God would give him a second change,he should follow his dreams and be true to himself and his passion. He made a pledge: I will follow my dreams, no matter how crazy they might be or where they might take me. What’s the point of living if I am not going to do what I am passionate about? I will listen to my heart and help others fulfill their dreams. I will follow my heart; the rest will follow me. After finishing his bachelor’s degree, Alfredo Huereca listened to his heart and obtained a masters of Fine Arts from the University of Texas at Austin and embarked into a journey that has taken him to playhouses and studios in Mexico and the United States. His achievements on stage have earned him a place in the Diccionario Biográfico de Coahuila and the Nuevo Diccionario Biográfico de Coahuila (Biographical Dictionary of Coahuila and New Biographical Dictionary of Coahuila), his native state in Mexico. In addition, he has received a Best Actor award by the Asociación de Críticos del Espectáculo (Theater Critics Association) in New York City and was nominated for Best Supporting Actor in a comedy for the Payne Awards in Austin, TX.

As a photographer, Alfredo Huereca has exhibited his work in The United States and has participated in the production of art exhibits, bringing the work of international painters to the galleries in SoHo and midtown Manhattan. True to his pledge and dreams, Alfredo has also worked with at-risk middle and high school students in New York and New Jersey. As school principal, ((Alfredo has been able to touch many young people’s lives, inculcating the arts in their hearts and minds)), always advocating for acceptance, diversity and equality.

For more information, please call 718-812-8709 or e-mail at info@worldvproductions.com.

A 'Fifth Symphony' by Beethoven is one of the most famous compositions of classical music and, according to a new Brazilian study, may help cure cancer.The survey, conducted by the Program Oncobiology Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, analyzed MCF-7 cells, which are linked to breast cancer. By exposing these cells to the famous theme, one in five eventually died, which enthusiastically involved.

The study, which began in May 2010, is to allow them to develop new prospects for cure of malignant tumors, using tones and frequencies, explains the newspaper 'O Globo'.Already on the official unit Oncobiology univesidade of that, the charge of the study, Marcia Capella, states that have already used other musical compositions, Masner always with the same results."We began our work using three compositions: Sonata for 2 Pianos in D Major" by Mozart [known to cause the 'Mozart effect', a temporary increase in spatial-temporal reasoning of an individual], the 'Fifth Symphony' Beethoven and 'Atmosphères' [the Hungarian György Ligeti], a contemporary composition, which is characterized mainly by the absence of a melodic line that reflects the theme, "he says.

According to expert, the composition of Mozart, caused no change in cells, but the Beethoven and Ligeti have killed an average of 20% of them, besides the "decrease in size and granularity."The fact that Mozart did not provoke any reaction is to scare those responsible, since his compositions are among the most widely used in music therapy.

"We still need better study the mechanisms of these effects, ie: because only some cell types are sensitive to these songs? And why only some specific types of music cause effects? We tested also with MDCK, a cell non-tumorigenic, and lymphocytes, and they never responded to these sound stimuli, "admits Marcia Capella.The aim is to use sound frequencies as the healing process instead of other more violent as radiotherapy.

The strategy, which seems strange at first, seeks to find ways more efficient and less toxic cancer-fighting: Instead of radiotherapy, one day you could imagine the use of frequencies. The study was innovative in using music therapy beyond the treatment of emotional disturbances.- This therapy is usually adopted in diseases linked to psychological problems, situations involving an emotional component. We show that, in addition, the music produces a direct effect on the cells of our body - underscores Capella Márcia, Institute of Biophysics Carlos Chagas Filho, coordinator of the study.Because MCF-7 is doubling every 30 hours, Marcia waited two days between the music session and test their effects. In this period, 20% of the sample died. Among the surviving cells, many lost their size and granularity.

The search result is puzzling even to Marcia. The composition of "Atmospheres", the Hungarian György Ligeti caused effects similar to those registered with Beethoven. But the "Sonata for two pianos in D Major" by Wolfgang Amadeus Mozart, one of the most popular music therapy had no effect.- It was strange, because this sonata causes something known as the "Mozart effect", a temporary increase in spatial-temporal reasoning - considering the researcher. - But we were happy with the result. We believed that the symphony would cause metabolic changes only, not the death of cancer cells."Atmospheres", unlike the "Fifth Symphony" is a contemporary composition, characterized by the absence of a melodic line. Why, then, two different tracks that have caused the same effect?Coupled with a team that includes a professor at the School of Music Villa-Lobos, Marcia, now seeks to answer this by dividing the music into parts. It may be that the effect has not been the whole work, but specifically of a rhythm, a tone or intensity.

In April, exposure to samba and funkWhen you can identify what killed the cells, the next step will be to build a particular sound sequence for the treatment of tumors. The path to this tune will go through other genres. Starting next month, researchers will test the effect of samba and funk on tumor cells.- We do not know music composer and what we use. The amount of sound combinations that we can study is immense - the researcher says.

Another avenue of research is to investigate whether the symphonies caused another type of effect in the body. For now, only renal cell tumor were exposed to music. Only in the second group was registered a change.The survey also provided a strange conclusion to cell cultures. As it was proved that the effect of music goes beyond the emotional component, there may be a difference between listening to it with surround sound or headphone.- Partial results suggest that with the headset, we are benefiting from the emotional effects and neglecting the direct consequences, such as those observed with the experiment - Marcia reveals.

Newark, NJ — March 28, 2011 — Mayor Cory A. Booker, City of Elizabeth Mayor J. Christian Bollwage, Southwest Airlines Chairman of the Board, President and CEO Gary Kelly, and Deputy Executive Director of the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey Bill Baroni announced that Southwest Airlines has started its new service of six daily nonstop flights from Newark to Chicago Midway and two daily nonstop flights to St. Louis during a media reception at the Theater Square Grille in Downtown Newark. Also in attendance were Deputy Mayor of Economic and Housing Development Stefan Pryor and Department of Economic and Housing Development Director of Logistics and Industrial Operations W. Deen Sharif.

“Southwest Airlines is now part of the nation’s largest transportation super-structures; including an international airport, major rail connections, major highway intersections and the busiest seaport on the east coast,” said Mayor Booker. “We are one of the top 10 most populous states in the nation. In addition to our transportation super-structure, Newark is an arts, cultural, sports and entertainment hub. We are excited to have Southwest Airlines join the City of Newark, and with a carrier that will provide our fellow New Jerseyans with a great travel experience. We welcome Southwest Airlines to Brick City and wish them success and growth.”

“We are thrilled about spreading our wings into the greater New York/New Jersey area. With this new service, not only are we adding nonstop flights to Chicago Midway and St. Louis, but also complementing our LaGuardia and Long Island service,” Mr. Kelly said. “Southwest is here to provide our Customers with our legendary Customer Service, our great value, and our Customer friendly policy of Bags fly Free. We appreciate the leadership of both Governor Chris Christie’s administration and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey for making it possible for Southwest to bring our planes to New Jersey.”

“The Port Authority welcomes Southwest to Newark Liberty, where they join a family of airlines that serve the 34 million Newark fliers every year,” said Mr. Baroni. “Now, the people of New Jersey and New York have even more options to get to six new locations. These options for our fliers and the hundreds of jobs Southwest is bringing to New Jersey are a real sign of their commitment to our region.”

Southwest Airlines’ new service to Newark Liberty International Airport will offer direct or connecting service to more than 45 destinations including: Los Angeles, San Francisco, Las Vegas, Dallas, and San Diego. Beginning June 5, 2011, Southwest will offer more service from Newark with three daily nonstops to Baltimore/Washington, three daily nonstops to Denver, two daily nonstops from Houston Hobby, and two daily nonstops to Phoenix Sky Harbor.

To download the flight schedule and view all of Southwest’s destinations from/to Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR), visit www.southwest.com. To learn more about this new service, visit their blog at: /http://www.blogsouthwest.com/blog/big-72

“With increased transportation options combined with legendary customer service, the City of Elizabeth is proud to welcome Southwest Airlines to Newark Liberty International Airport,” said Mayor Bollwage. “As they embark on this exciting new initiative to expand services and meet the needs of diverse populations throughout our region, we extend our congratulations and best wishes for continued success.”

In addition to today’s news conference, Southwest volunteers flew in from the Company’s headquarters in Dallas, over the weekend to help celebrate the new service by volunteering alongside Jersey Cares. The team worked together to complete improvements at Newark’s South 17th Street School by weeding gardens, planting flowers, and beautifying the surrounding areas.

Bishop LeRoy Martin of the Thankful Center of Los Angeles was one of the first Southwest Airlines passengers who flew on a direct flight from Los Angeles to Newark. He gave the airline a positive review and said, “They were great. It was a direct flight with good service and very customer-friendly staff. I saved a lot of time by not having to fly in to La Guardia Airport or JFK in New York. I’m happy that my return flight will also be on Southwest Airlines.”

In its 40th year of service, Southwest Airlines continues to differentiate itself from other low-fare carriers – offering a reliable product with exemplary Customer Service. Southwest Airlines is the nation’s largest carrier in terms of originating domestic passengers boarded; now serving 72 cities in 37 states. Southwest also is one of the most honored airlines in the world known for its commitment to the triple bottom line of Performance, People, and Planet. To read more about how Southwest is doing its part to be a good citizen, visit www.southwest.com/cares to read the Southwest Airlines One Report. Based in Dallas, Southwest currently operates more than 3,400 flights a day and has nearly 35,000 Employees system-wide.

PARIS, FRANCE – From Friday, April 1st to Sunday, April 3 rd , 2011, Broken Clouds, by Yuri Alves, willparticipate at the ÉCU - The European Independent Film Festival, which will project 78 films from 25countries. Broken Clouds will screen at the cinema Christine on Sunday April 3, 2:10pm – tickets availableat: http://ecu.slated.com/2011/filmsbrokenclouds_tba_ecu2011.

Broken Clouds, directed by Yuri Alves and produced by DreamPlay Productions, tells the story of a miraculoussurvivor seeking to restart life on the planet after the loss of his soulmate. The film was shot in Newark, NJ andin surrounding towns, as well as Brooklyn, NY over a period of 18 months. The cast features Vinicius Vieira,Klemen Novak, Candace Janee, David Nash and Ivo Canelas. Alves, along with some of the producers and castwill attend the festival.

In February 2011, Broken Clouds won Best Experimental Film at the New Jersey International Film Festival,which selected 33 films from over 300 entries. And recently, Broken Clouds was featured in an exclusive sneakpreview screening that drew over 550 attendees in Newark, NJ.

Writer-director Yuri Alves, 27, was born in Brazil to Portuguese parents and grew up in Newark and surroundingareas. Alves says the film is “a highly personal expression of a dark spiritual and artistic phase for me. The film’sproduction actually paralleled the journey of the main character, and in particular, his search for catharsis in theface of existential fear.”

It is competing in the Short Dramatic Film category with 6 other films from around the world. This year’s ÉCUwill screen 78 films in 12 categories including features, short films, documentaries, animation, studentexperimental and more, which will be competing for 20 awards. Alves, along with members of the production andcast, will attend the festival in representation of Broken Clouds.

ÉCU is considered by many critics and industry insiders to be the “Sundance of Europe” because it hasdelivered on its mantra to “discover, project and promote” vibrant independent cinema. Festival President andAcademy Award winning filmmaker, Scott Hillier says: “The 2011 ‘Official Selection’ is full of innovative, intelligentand entertaining cinematic gems. We are proud to support these talented individuals and assist in help takingtheir careers to another level.”

Most recently, Alves directed ‘A Armadilha’ and ‘Mano a Mano’, two episodes from the Portuguese primetimetelevision mini-series Tempo Final, set to premiere in late April 2011. Yuri Alves is also the co-founder andCreative Director of DreamPlay Productions, a TV, film and multimedia company.

The Portuguese Language Institute originated in 2000 with the support of the Brazilian Consulate and the United Nations Staff Recreation Council Portuguese Language Society in New York. For nearly 10 years it has offered Portuguese language courses and Brazilian cultural awareness for children and adults.

In our small-group classes taught by university teaching professionals, students advance their speaking, presentation, accent, vocabulary, and writing skills with colleagues and friends who share similar interests.

Classes average 4 to 8 students per class, with a maximum of 12. The small class size ensures that everyone will be able to participate and receive the best experience possible.

We meet in our comfortable space at Two United Nations Plaza on East 44th Street, just across from UNICEF House, in Room 2000 on the 20th Floor. The building is just two blocks from Grand Central Station, which is easily reached by the # 4, 5, 6, 7 and S trains.

We strive to have you use Brazilian Portuguese in as large a variety of real-life situations as possible. To that end, our Brazilian Portuguese courses have been designed to build fluency in both spoken and written language. Communication in a warm and relaxed environment is an important feature of our programs, as is homework, which includes exercises for review and practice of the material taught in class. Moreover, by keeping the class size limited to twelve students, we ensure that each student will be able to actively participate.

There are five major course levels that we focus on and each level targets a speaking or writing skill.

Level 1Upon completion of this course, students can expect to be able to hold basic conversations about their daily activities using present and future tenses. This course aims to provide beginning students with a practical command of the vocabulary and grammar of the language. Topics include phonetics, expressions of time and quantity, subject pronouns, articles, possessives, interrogatives, and the present indicative, present progressive and compound future tenses of common verbs.

Level 2Building upon the basic foundation provided in Level 1, upon completion of this course, students should be able to converse with greater ease on an increasing range of topics as well as being able to read and write longer texts. Topics include prepositions, contractions, irregular verbs, demonstrative pronouns, ordinal numbers, adverbs, pronouns and tag questions. Students develop their ability to conjugate verbs in the preterit imperfect, preterit perfect, past progressive and present indicative verb tenses.

Level 3Building upon the skills studied in Level 2, students rapidly expand their vocabulary and begin to express themselves more precisely as they learn to use the simple future, past perfect and subjunctive tenses. Among the topics introduced at this level are idiomatic expressions, object pronouns, reflexive verbs, comparative and superlative forms, telling time, adverbs, and the passive voice.

Level 4Upon completion of this course, students should be able to discuss with greater precision topics including Southeastern and Southwestern Brazil, travel, study, work and festive occasions. Building upon the skills already acquired, students study reflexive verbs and pronouns, linking words, adjective and adverb clauses, diminutive and augmentative forms, and the preterit future tense.

Level 5For students who wish to further expand their skills, this course introduces more advanced topics including the compound subjunctive and the personal infinitive. This course helps students to tie together all the elements of grammar and usage covered up to this point. Students practice and refine their skills by discussing topics including Southern Brazil, media, sports and other social activities, clothing, parts of the body and health.

Also offered:Conversational PortugueseThis program is designed for students who are already proficient in the skills taught in Levels 1-5 and who want to increase their conversational abilities. Conducted entirely in Portuguese, this course provides students with an opportunity to markedly improve their speaking and listening skills. Magazines, video and audio tapes, and other resources designed to provide practical opportunities for vocabulary and skill development are selected to match student interests. Grammatical topics are addressed as needed.

GroupsGroups Are Specialized For Shared Goals and Interest AreasYour teacher adapts class content to the social and career interest areas of you and your colleagues.

Newark, NJ – March 7, 2011 - Mayor Cory A. Booker and Neighborhood and Recreational Services Director James Souder announced today that the City of Newark is opening registration for boys aged 18 and under for the 2011 Mayor’s Basketball Tournament, which will be held from April 19 to April 21, 2011 at the John F. Kennedy Recreation Center, located at 211 West Kinney Street, with the entrance on Howard Street. Games will start at 9 a.m. and continue until the schedule is complete.

“This annual basketball tournament is the kind of action we want all of Newark’s youth to enjoy,” Mayor Booker said. “I commend our dedicated recreation team for organizing this event, which is one of several programs, like our Let’s Move! Newark campaign, which we are offering to engage our youth in wholesome activities. These programs will promote their health and well-being, while defeating childhood obesity. I encourage all of our residents to support our youth as they take it to the hoop and manifest their excellence on the courts of the JFK Recreation Center.”

The deadline to register for the tournament is March 31, 2011. There will be no exceptions. Organizations and groups can only enter one team per group. Eight teams in each age category will be the maximum limit, for a total of 24 teams. The tournament is timed to coincide with the spring recess from Newark Public Schools.

“The Mayor’s Basketball Tournament gives our youth a positive, wholesome activity during their spring break that helps them build strong minds, strong bodies, and teaches them valuable life lessons about competition and sportsmanship. I congratulate the entire Recreation team on developing and operating this program,” said Director Souder.

“I look forward to the Mayor’s Basketball Tournament each year. I’ve been involved with the tournament since 1999 and each year the excitement grows. I enjoy watching the teams compete against each other. I’m looking forward to this year’s tournament,” said Tia D. Montigue, the Program Coordinator for the Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs.

The tournament is played on the JFK Recreation Center’s NBA-regulation size basketball court and will consist of eight teams in each of the following three categories:

• Males 12 & under

• Males aged 13-14

• Males aged 15-18

Last year 41 teams competed in the tournament, and 24 are expected to play this year.

“It’s fun to get these kids together from the recreation centers to compete,” said Akima Stocks, coach of the Hard Rock team, which consists of 12 boys aged 15-17, drawn from public and private high schools across the City. The team won its age-group championship in 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009, and 2010. She attributes her success to the team. “Kids who play for different high schools get an opportunity to play together on this team and in this tournament. The kids are hard workers. I don’t start with them until their high school seasons are done, and we start practicing two weeks prior to the tournament. We put a lot of hard work into a very short time. The kids are already good. The practices are to get them to play together, as a team,” she said.

The tournament is the beginning for the Hard Rock team’s summer season, competing in Amateur Athletic Union action in the region. “The mayor’s tournament sets the tone for the summer. It gets them into the competition and in shape for the summer action,” Ms. Stocks added. “Besides basketball, there’s a togetherness thing. Basketball is more than the spirit of playing and getting in shape. After practice, we cook out together, and everyone has a job at the cookouts. It’s getting kids to become a family. Anyone on the team will tell you that.” She added that some of the team’s players do not actually play on their high school teams, as they have jobs after school. Players have to maintain a 2.0 GPA or better to get on or stay on the team. “All but three of my kids have gone on to college. Some of them played for Rutgers and are just graduating from Rutgers now,” she said.

The Tournament is sponsored by the Department of Neighborhood and Recreational Services’ Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs. For more information, contact Tia D. Montigue, Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs, at (973) 733-6456.

The health and well-being of Newark’s residents is a priority for the Booker Administration. At his Fourth Annual State of the City Address on February 9, 2010, the Mayor announced that he will serve as National Co-Chair of First Lady Michelle Obama’s campaign to fight childhood obesity.

Recreation has been a major priority for the Booker administration. Since 2006, each of the City’s recreation centers has had a comprehensive rehabilitation. After millions of dollars of capital investment, every city Recreation facility and pool has been upgraded and is now open for expanded programs and community use. In addition, City programming at recreation centers has been expanded. Residents can now access a full catalogue of recreation and cultural programs and services.

The John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatic Center is the City’s largest such facility, offering Newark residents of all ages a wide variety of daily recreation, exercise, and swimming programs. The facility features a multi-purpose exercise room, an NBA-regulation size basketball court, a state-of-the-art weight room and the only indoor/outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool in the State equipped with a retractable roof. The John F. Kennedy Recreation and Aquatic Center has hosted numerous events, including the 2002 U.S. Youth Games Swimming competition, professional wrestling matches, a variety of exercise classes, amateur boxing bouts, basketball tournaments and other community functions.

For more information about all Division of Recreation/Cultural Affairs or any other City of Newark program or policy, contact the Non-Emergency Call Center at (973) 733-4311.

The 12th Annual Havana Film Festival New York is just three weeks away! We're going to continue sending you emails highlighting our films, including our action films and thrillers.

Action Films

HFFNY 2011 features two full-length action films. Come see what Brazil and Chile have to get your adrenaline going!

Alucinados/Riding High

Dir. Roberto Santucci, Brazil

Museum of the Moving Image

Sunday, April 10, 6:30 pm, 90 min.

Quad Cinema

Monday, April 11, 5:00 pm, 90 min.

Riding High takes us into a most dramatic day in the life of Julia, a housewife who becomes the victim of two youngsters from the slums in the city of Rio de Janeiro. When Julia is kidnapped from her armored car by Case and Sapeca, what seems at first sight to be a social conflict between rich and poor turns into a much more complex plot linking the pasts and presents of the characters.

Mandrill

Dir. Ernesto Diaz, Chile

Quad Cinema

Wednesday, April 13, 2:50 pm, & Thursday, April 14, 9:45 pm; 90 min.

Antonio's parents were murdered when he was a child. As an adult, he becomes a ruthless bounty hunter, code-named "Mandrill," with the sole aim of finding the murderer and avenging his parents. But Mandrill has a weakness - women - so he asks his uncle Chone, a renowned Don Juan, to teach him the act of seduction. When he is hired to capture a powerful mobster casino boss, he soon discovers that he is the man he has sought all these years.